By Toi World Desk

Copyright indiatimes

The UAE Mission Visa serves as a specialized short-term work permit tailored for foreign professionals hired for specific, time-bound projects. Unlike traditional employment visas, it provides companies with the flexibility to onboard skilled workers for temporary assignments without long-term commitments. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of its types, eligibility, process, and key advantages for both employers and professionals in the UAE.Understanding the UAE Mission VisaThe UAE Mission Visa, also referred to as the Mission Work Permit, is a temporary employment authorization designed for expatriates involved in short-term projects. Issued for limited durations, it enables companies to meet urgent or project-specific staffing needs without entering long-term contractual obligations.This visa is especially beneficial to sectors that rely heavily on project-based employment, contractual expertise, or trial hiring, such as construction, IT, design, and consultancy.Types of UAE Mission VisaThere are two main categories of mission visas in the UAE, each catering to different short-term employment needs:a) Special mission entry permitValidity: 16 daysRenewability: Non-renewable and non-extendableIssuing Authority: Department of Naturalization and Foreign AffairsEntry: Single-entry onlyPurpose: Suitable for very short assignments or business tasks requiring brief staysb) Mission work permitIssuing Authority: Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)Validity: Initially 60 daysRenewability: Can be extended, with a typical maximum duration of up to 3 months (90 days)Purpose: Ideal for professionals engaged in urgent, short-term, or trial projectsLabour Compliance: Allows for a labour contract and issuance of a UAE labour card, aligning the worker under UAE’s legal employment frameworkEligibility criteria for UAE Mission VisaThe mission visa can only be applied for by UAE-based employers. Foreign nationals are not permitted to apply independently. To qualify:The employer must be registered with MOHREThere must be MOHRE approval on hiring quotaThe nature of the company’s activity must justify the short-term employment needThe employee must be outside the UAE at the time of application UAE Mission Visa application process (step by step)Here’s how the application unfolds:Employer initiates application for a 60-day Mission Work Permit through MOHRECompany’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) oversees the processMOHRE verifies the company’s registration, quota, and eligibilityThe employee signs the mission visa application formUpon approval, a Mission Entry Permit is issuedThe employee enters the UAE and the permit is stamped on their passportEmployer submits visa details to MOHREEmployee undergoes a mandatory medical testEmployer and employee sign the labour contractLabour card and UAE labour contract are issued If reapplying for the same employee, the previous labour card must be cancelled, and the employee must exit the UAE before a new mission visa is issued. Required documents for UAE Mission VisaTo process the application, the following documentation is mandatory:Company’s trade license copyValid establishment cardEmployer’s e-signature cardPassport copy of the employee (valid for at least 6 months)Original passport (required for medical test)Passport-size photographs with white backgroundAttested educational certificates (if relevant to the job role)Copy of employer’s UAE passportMission Visa validity, fees & processing timelineValiditySpecial Mission Entry Permit: 16 days (no extensions)Mission Work Permit: 60 days (renewable), extendable up to 90 days depending on the projectCostAED 500 – AED 1,000, based on company type and MOHRE classificationExcludes medical test, Emirates ID, and insuranceCost is typically borne by the employerProcessing timeUsually processed within 5–7 working daysDependent on completeness of documentation and MOHRE approvalsUAE Mission Visa for freelancersFreelancers cannot apply directly for a mission visa. However, they can be eligible if hired by a UAE-based company for a project.Applicable Fields: IT, design, engineering, construction, consultancyCondition: Must be sponsored by the employerFreelancer cannot self-sponsor under this visa categoryAdvantages and legal safeguardsThe mission visa offers several operational and regulatory benefits:FlexibilityEnables companies to hire short-term talent without long-term financial or legal commitmentsHelpful in managing workload fluctuations and seasonal projectsLegal complianceEnsures that all short-term employment adheres to UAE labour lawsOffers both employer and employee protection regarding work conditions, contract terms, and rightsProbationary advantageAllows employers to evaluate candidates during a trial period